Access is a powerful tool, as a properly designed database provides you with access to up-to-date, accurate information. In this session, we will discuss the uses and benefits of Access, as well as scenarios for when to use Access and when to use Excel. We will also discuss design techniques that allow for databases that meet your needs and that can easily accommodate change. You will learn how to:

decide what information is needed

how to divide that information into the appropriate tables

how those tables relate to each other

In addition we will:

create reference tables to aid in data entry (allowing for data to be entered from a dropdown list)

set field properties, like default values, captions, input masks, and validation rules